Xi shows he wants to be close to Putin – but not too close
The relationship between China and Russia is no longer one of equals.
Bulgarian woman in Russian spy ring is no George Blake, Old Bailey told
Katrin Ivanova’s barrister says her sentence should reflect her admin duties and not equate her with ‘classic spy cases’
A woman said to be “chief minion” in a ring of Bulgarians convicted of spying for Russia in Britain should not be treated like George Blake, the double agent sentenced to four decades in jail in the 1960s, the Old Bailey has heard.
Katrin Ivanova was said by her barrister, Rupert Bowers KC, to have been manipulated by her partner, Biser Dzhambazov, and to then have endured the discovery of his affair with a fellow member of the spy ring while in prison.
Continue reading...Moscow and Kyiv trade accusations as Russia holds Victory Day spectacle
Putin welcomes allies at parade planned to push patriotism and project strength as fighting against Ukraine persists.
Aid groups voice alarm as US pushes Israeli plan for Gaza assistance
Groups say plan to resume limited humanitarian assistance under strict Israeli rules ‘risks enabling war crimes’
Aid groups have voiced alarm at US moves to pressure them into accepting an Israeli proposal to resume limited humanitarian assistance to the war-ravaged territory under strictly controlled conditions.
The Trump administration has attempted to strong-arm international agencies – including the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) – into accepting Israel’s stringent rules for resuming deliveries, according to sources familiar with the discussions and news reports.
Continue reading...Slot hints at Real Madrid move for Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool exit looms
Liverpool manager Arne Slot drops biggest hint yet that Trent Alexander-Arnold will swap Anfield for Real Madrid.
‘Slippery slope’: How will Pakistan strike India as tensions soar?
Pakistan says it will hit India at time and place it chooses. Experts say military bases could be the next targets.
State Dept. cuts poised to be more severe than previously outlined with 3,400 employees on the chopping block – Government Executive
- State Dept. cuts poised to be more severe than previously outlined with 3,400 employees on the chopping block Government Executive
- State Department plans deeper-than-anticipated staff cuts Defense One
- Marco Rubio’s rearranging of the deck chairs on the USS Trump — does it matter? Daily Maverick
- Trump to shut embassies and consulates across Africa, NY Times reports News24
- Marco Rubio’s proposed reshuffle at State offers a huge opportunity in Africa The Hill
Ukraine arrests 2 for allegedly spying for Hungary and Hungary expels 2 Ukrainian diplomats – AP News
- Ukraine arrests 2 for allegedly spying for Hungary and Hungary expels 2 Ukrainian diplomats AP News
- Ukraine, Hungary each expel two diplomats in espionage row Reuters
- Ukraine says it has uncovered Hungarian spy network working in border region CNN
- Ukraine says it has busted Hungarian spy ring collecting military data The Guardian
- Ukraine accuses Hungary of spying on it; Budapest expels diplomats The Washington Post
Houthi missile fire triggers air raid sirens across central Israel – Ynetnews
- Houthi missile fire triggers air raid sirens across central Israel Ynetnews
- White House: Hostages' Release Is Trump's Top Priority for Gaza War Haaretz
- Source: Houthi missile shot down by Arrow after US THAAD missed for 2nd time this week The Times of Israel
- Yemen's main airport in Sanaa disabled in airstrikes, Israel's military says CBS News
- Major airlines suspend Tel Aviv routes after missile lands near Ben Gurion Airport USA Today
2 Guilty of ‘Arboreal Equivalent of Mindless Thuggery’ – Newser
- 2 Guilty of 'Arboreal Equivalent of Mindless Thuggery' Newser
- How Sycamore Gap fellers went from friends to foes BBC
- 2 men convicted of cutting down beloved Sycamore Gap tree in 'mindless' destruction NPR
- 2 Men Found Guilty of Felling UK’s Sycamore Gap Tree The New York Times
- If a Beloved Tree Falls in the U.K.... Everyone Is Outraged. Why 2 Men Were Convicted for 'Moronic Mission' People.com
Night of intense bombardment sends people fleeing in Kashmir
People along India and Pakistan-controlled border evacuated to shelters amid ongoing hostilities in disputed territory.
Three things we learned from Putin’s Red Square parade
BC Monitoring's Russia Editor Vitaly Shevchenko reflects on the Victory Day spectacle in Moscow.
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
China’s PL-15E missiles named in Indian jet shootdown made by robots: experts – South China Morning Post
Pope Leo XIV calls Church ‘a beacon to illuminate dark nights’ in first Mass
Chicago-born Robert Prevost, 69, is the first North American to be elected pontiff.
People flee homes following India-Pakistan attacks
People have been fleeing their homes in fear as fighting between Indian and Pakistani forces continues.
Russian military parade marks 80 years since victory over Nazis
Putin praises Russian troops' courage in Ukraine during Red Square parade marking 80th anniversary of Nazi defeat.
Trump floats cutting Chinese tariffs from 145% to 80% before weekend talks
Meeting aimed at de-escalating trade war after Chinese exports beat expectations despite slump in trade
Donald Trump has floated cutting tariffs on China from 145% to 80% before a weekend meeting as he looks to de-escalate the trade war.
Top US officials are expected to meet a high-level Chinese delegation this weekend in Switzerland in the first significant talks between the two nations since Trump provoked a trade war with stiff tariffs on imports.
Continue reading...Europe throws support behind Ukraine special tribunal to prosecute Russia – Reuters
- Europe throws support behind Ukraine special tribunal to prosecute Russia Reuters
- EU Poised to Set Up Court to Prosecute Putin, Kremlin Officials Bloomberg.com
- EU and Ukraine launch special tribunal to prosecute Putin’s war crimes politico.eu
- EU diplomats honor fallen soldiers in Lviv, pledge more Ukraine support The Kyiv Independent
- What is the special tribunal for Ukraine that world leaders have backed? AP News
Putin Parades China, North Korea Ties in Victory Day Show of Force – WSJ
- Putin Parades China, North Korea Ties in Victory Day Show of Force WSJ
- Putin Puts on Show of Defiance as Cease-Fire Talks Drag On The New York Times
- Watch: Steve Rosenberg reports from Russia's Red Square on Victory Day BBC
- Russia marks 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany NPR
- Russia’s False Euphoria Foreign Affairs